Ireland
UK
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The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed that, following Executive agreement to proceed, draft regulations to establish a Just Transition Commission will shortly be laid for scrutiny and debate at Stormont.
The Minister said: "Today is a critical step towards ensuring that Northern Ireland has the structures in place to address both the challenges and opportunities connected with climate action. At all times, we must ensure that this is done in a way that is inclusive, fair and sustainable.
He added: "The establishment of a Just Transition Commission will be essential to delivering on this ambition. Through its oversight and advisory role, it will help ensure that departments design and bring forward decarbonisation policies that ensure nobody is left behind."
Similar commissions are already in place in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland to steer their low‑carbon transitions.
Northern Ireland's body will draw members from a wide range of sectors. The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 mandates representation from seven areas: academia, youth groups, civic society, trade unions, fisheries, agriculture and environment. DAERA also proposes to include energy, transport, the built environment, the rural sector and green finance to broaden expertise.
The primary role of the Commission will be to oversee departments' implementation of the Act's just transition provisions and advise on ensuring emissions‑reduction policies align with the just transition principles and objectives set out in the legislation.
The draft regulations follow a ten‑week public consultation, during which the Department held 12 engagement events with organisations and stakeholders, including those sectors mandated by the Act. Responses indicated strong backing for a commission to help ensure climate policies work for everyone across Northern Ireland. A summary of responses is available on the DAERA website.
Under Section 37 of the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, DAERA is required to establish an independent Just Transition Commission and to ensure the specified sectors are represented.
Minister Muir noted: "The progression of these Regulations to the Assembly is an important milestone on this journey and I look forward to further constructive discussion and debate through our Assembly scrutiny process."
